The Ocean State plays key role in National School Choice Week, the
largest celebration of educational opportunity in US history.

PROVIDENCE, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National School Choice Week begins today in Rhode Island and across the
country. There are 83 events planned in the Ocean State to raise
awareness about K-12 school choice, and 21,392 events nationwide.

The events in Rhode Island, which are independently planned and
independently funded, include everything from information sessions and
open houses at schools to rallies, policy discussions, and movie
screenings organized by community groups. Highlighted events include a
large school choice rally January 26 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rhode Island
State House.

The cities of Exeter, Hopkinton, and Little Compton have issued official
proclamations recognizing January 22-28, 2017 as “School Choice Week.”

National School Choice Week provides families in Rhode Island with the
opportunity to research and evaluate the K-12 school choices available
for their children in advance of the 2017-2018 school year. The Week
also raises awareness of the importance of providing every child with
effective education options.

“In the last year, Rhode Island Families for School Choice has grown to
include almost every type of school available to Rhode Island students,”
said Rachel McGuire executive director of Rhode Island Families for
School Choice. “We want to take this opportunity to celebrate all forms
of school choice and speak for increased access to choice for every
student.”

“The message of National School Choice Week in Rhode Island and across
the country is clear: children, families, and communities benefit from
increased opportunity in education,” said Andrew Campanella, president
of National School Choice Week. “We are grateful that so many people
will join together in the Ocean State to raise awareness of school
choice.”

With a goal of raising public awareness of effective education options
for children, National School Choice Week will be the largest
celebration of education options in US history.

SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR RHODE ISLAND FAMILIES

According to National School Choice Week’s organizers, families in
Rhode Island can use the Week to look for K-12 schools for the
2017-2018 school year. Parents in the Ocean State can choose from the
following education options for their children: traditional public
schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies,
private schools, and homeschooling. In some parts of the state, open
enrollment policies allow parents to select the best traditional
public school, regardless of where the school is located. The state
also has a program allowing qualifying children, in some cases, to
receive scholarships to attend private schools.

ABOUT NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK

National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort
spotlighting effective education options for children, including
traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools,
private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. The Week runs
from January 22-28, 2017. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.